On 25 August 2016, NIMD signed a Letter of Intent with the Centre for Innovation (CFI) of Leiden University to formalize our commitment to continue collaborating on democratic innovation.

The Centre for Innovation explores technology from a people’s perspective by starting initiatives relevant to society, developing learning experiences and innovation tools. In the past, CFI and NIMD have developed e-learning courses an…d co-organized events on political party innovation.

Both NIMD and CFI recognize the challenges that the development and democracy assistance sector are facing, including the fast-paced advances in technology. We would like to further explore the (technological) possibilities for innovating democracy. The Letter of Intent is the next step in our existing collaboration.

Will Derks, NIMD’s Knowledge and Innovation Advisor, explained the mutual benefits for both organizations: “As NIMD does not specialize in technology, CFI’s experience with different visions and methods to come up with (technology driven) solutions is extremely valuable for NIMD’s work with political parties in young democracies. In turn, NIMD can offer CFI in-depth understanding of democracy and its key players as well as an international network for programmes.”

Furthermore, both NIMD and CFI emphasize that the collaboration will contribute to the role of The Hague as the International City of Peace and Justice.

Hans Bruning, ED of NIMD, and Gideon Shimshon, Director of CFI, sign the Letter of Intent